Strikes commence in nine schools across Iceland as negotiations stall

Strikes have commenced in nine schools across the country. Negotiation talks between teachers’ representatives and municipal officials continued late into the day yesterday but ended without resolution.

Teachers from three primary schools, four preschools, a secondary school, and a music school began their strikes at midnight. The affected primary schools include Áslandsskóli in Hafnarfjörður, Laugalækjarskóli in Reykjavík, and Lundarskóli in Akureyri, with strikes scheduled to last until November 22. Additionally, teachers at the Fjölbrautaskóli Suðurlands and Tónlistarskóli Ísafjarðar will be on strike until December 20. Four preschools, including Holt in Njarðvík, Ársalir in Sauðárkrókur, the Seltjarnarnes preschool, and Drafnarsteinn in Reykjavík, are also participating in indefinite strikes that began at midnight.

Magnús Þór Jónsson, chairman of the teachers’ union, indicated that a new phase in the dispute is commencing. He noted that preparations for the actions have been underway for some time, expressing disappointment that it had come to this point. Magnús emphasized the need for sustained pressure not only on the negotiating parties but also on the teachers themselves to sit at the negotiation table and take firm steps to ensure the strikes are as brief as possible.

Further discussions on the matter are scheduled for today between the teachers and the government, followed by a meeting with the Association of Icelandic Municipalities on Wednesday. These will be working sessions rather than formal negotiation meetings.